April 27, 2020 12.13 pm This story is over 47 months old

Drone finds drink driver who fled crash near Lincoln

A celebrity comedian replied to the team’s social media post

A drink driver charged for fleeing the scene of a crash near Lincoln was caught when a police drone found him hiding in a garden.

Lincolnshire Police’s drone team, along with PD Boris from the force’s dog unit, helped locate two men who were being sought after a crash in Branston during the early hours of Sunday, April 26. The drone later found the suspect hiding in a garden in Heighington.

One man has since been named and charged by police. Keiry Lowe, 20, of Troon Close in Washingborough, has been charged with driving a motor vehicle when his alcohol level was above the limit, and also with failure to stop after a road accident.

Troon was bailed to appear at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

The second man who was detained has since been released with no further action.

The incident surprisingly caught the eye of celebrity comedian Jim Davison, who questioned the work of the team: “A helicopter and fuel for a driving offence eh?” before later apologising for his “initial p**s take”.

Celebrity comedian Jim Davidson replied to the team’s post on Twitter. Photo: Lincolnshire Police Drones/Twitter

He later apologised for his original comment. Photo: Lincolnshire Police Drones/Twitter

Special Sergeant Kevin Taylor, Chief Pilot at the Lincolnshire Police Drone Unit, said: “Due to the advancement in technology, drones have become vital in modern day policing of our vast rural county of Lincolnshire.

“Once again thanks to the skills and determination of the Remote Pilot and our Lincolnshire Police Dog Unit we have swiftly located and detained an alleged offender.

“With the investment in drones which are fitted with high quality Thermal Imaging capability and the tracking capability of PD Boris on the ground, we have a formidable combination to assist in fighting crime and keeping our community safe.”